Colorado State University
Linux System Administrator
Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, us, 80523
Posting Detail Information
Working Title24-120: Linux System Administrator
Position LocationFort Collins, CO
Work LocationPosition is fully in-office/in-person
Research Professional PositionYes
Posting Number202402022AP
Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification TitleResearch Associate II
Number of Vacancies
Work Hours/Week40
Proposed Annual Salary RangeCommensurate with experience and qualifications as follows: • Research Associate II: $63,900 - $81,100 • Research Associate III: $72,800 - $90,000
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, commitment todiversity, equity and inclusion (https://inclusiveexcellence.colostate.edu/about/) , and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
Review our detailed benefits information here. (https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf)
Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator (https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/) .
Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/) !
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on01/05/2025
Description of Work Unit
The Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere ( CIRA ) at Colorado State University ( CSU ) is a multi-million dollar research organization located on CSU’s Foothills Campus in Fort Collins, Colorado. CIRA is a cooperative institute (CI) that is also a research department within CSU’s College of Engineering, in partnership with the Department of Atmospheric Science. Its vision is to conduct interdisciplinary research in the atmospheric sciences by entraining skills beyond the meteorological disciplines, exploiting advances in engineering and computer science, facilitating transitional activity between pure and applied research, leveraging both national and international resources and partnerships, and assisting the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ( NOAA ), CSU , the State of Colorado, and the Nation through the application of our research to areas of societal benefit.
Expanding on this Vision, our Mission is to serve as a nexus for multi-disciplinary cooperation among CI and NOAA research scientists, University faculty, staff and students in the context of NOAA -specified research theme areas in satellite applications for weather/climate forecasting. Important bridging elements of the CI include the communication of research findings to the international scientific community, transition of applications and capabilities to NOAA operational users, education and training programs for operational user proficiency, outreach programs to K-12 education and the general public for environmental literacy, and understanding and quantifying the societal impacts of NOAA research.
Position Summary
The Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere ( CIRA ), located on the CSU Foothills Campus approximately 5 miles northwest of CSU’s main campus, seeks to fill a Research Associate II or III position to support CIRA’s computing research efforts and IT infrastructure. CIRA conducts research on the use of satellite data to improve analysis, forecasts, and warnings for regions and mesoscale meteorological events. The individual in this position will report to CIRA’s IT Director and manage the CIRA’s Linux systems and data storage located at Foothills Campus and the Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering Data Center ( SDC ) on the CSU main campus.
This position requires a NOAA Common Access Card ( CAC ) ID badge for computer access and is therefore open ONLY to citizens of the United States and lawful permanent residents in possession of a physical USCIS “Green Card.” This position also requires the ability to pass a National Agency Check with Inquiries ( NACI ) Tier 1 federal background check for computer access, a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license or access to a licensed driver, and the ability to lift objects that weigh more than 50 pounds in order to move computing equipment between CIRA and the SDC . The individual in this position will be expected to work onsite at CIRA in Fort Collins. A hybrid telework/onsite schedule will be considered for well qualified candidates. Occasional travel to attend meetings/conferences/trainings may be required.
This position will be classified Research Associate II or III according to the credentials of the finalist selected for hire as follows:
For position classification Research Associate II: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, or related STEM field plus 3-4 years of experience working in Linux system administration –OR- a Master’s Degree in Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, or related STEM field;
For position classification Research Associate III : Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, or related STEM field plus 5 or more years of experience working in Linux system administrationORa Master’s degree in Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, or related STEM field plus 2 or more years of experience working in Linux system administration –OR- a Ph.D. in Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, or related STEM field.
Required Job Qualifications
In your cover letter, please specifically address EACH required qualification as it relates to your experience. An application without a cover letter that addresses each of the required qualifications for this position will not be considered further.
For Research Associate II: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, or related STEM field plus 3-4 years of experience working in Linux system administration –OR- a Master’s Degree in Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, or related STEM field;
For Research Associate III : Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, or related STEM field plus 5 or more years of experience working in Linux system administrationORa Master’s degree in Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, or related STEM field plus 2 or more years of experience working in Linux system administration –OR- a Ph.D. in Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, or related STEM field;
Ability to pass a National Agency Check with Inquiries ( NACI ) federal background check and receive a NOAA Common Access Card ( CAC ) ID badge.
Ability to lift objects that weigh 50 pounds several times per week, and sometimes multiple times in one day. The individual will have access to a dolly, but rarely will receive assistance from a fellow colleague.
Valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license or access to a licensed driver by the start of the position;
Experience managing networked servers;
Experience with command line management of RedHat, Rocky, or Alma operating systems;
Experience with shell scripting and interpreted languages (e.g., bash, Python, Perl);
Familiarity with network storage solutions;
Excellent oral and written communication skills;
Occasional travel to attend meetings/conferences/trainings may be required.
Must be a citizen of the United States or Lawful Permanent Resident with a physical USCIS “Green Card.”
Preferred Job Qualifications
In your cover letter, please specifically address the applicable preferred qualifications for this position. A cover letter that fails to address the preferred qualifications for this position will not be considered further after review by the search committee.
Degree related to Atmospheric Science or Meteorology;
Experience with Linux container development (e.g., Docker, Podman, Apptainer, Singularity);
Experience with RAID , Ceph storage systems, ZFS file systems;
Experience configuring a high performance computing ( HPC ) environment (e.g., slurm, warewulf, pxe booting environment, Kubernetes);
Experience managing web servers (e.g., nginx, Apache) and SSL certificates
Experience managing GitLab servers;
Experience troubleshooting and installing computing hardware components (memory, disk, CPU , GPU ).
Diversity Statement
Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Essential Duties
Job Duty CategoryLinux Administration
Duty/Responsibility
Install, configure, patch, and upgrade RHEL (Rocky, Alma) operating systems;
Configure and troubleshoot system networking;
Implement server and network security measures;
Manage users and access permissions;
Install and maintain application software;
Document development plans, system configuration, user instructions, issues, and maintenance activities;
Provide user technical support.
Percentage Of Time50
Job Duty CategorySystem Engineering
Duty/Responsibility
Manage and troubleshoot multi-petabyte storage systems;
System backup and recovery;
Install, manage, and relocate computer and network systems in a data center environment.
Percentage Of Time50
Application Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
To apply, please upload a cover letter that addresses the required and preferred job qualifications, a resume, and the contact information for three professional references.
CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.
References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
Search ContactLinn Barrett, linn.barrett@colostate.edu
EEO Statement
Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. TheOffice of Equal Opportunity (https://oeo.colostate.edu/) is located in 101 Student Services.
The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715,titleix@colostate.edu.
The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,oeo@colostate.edu.
The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,oeo@colostate.edu.
Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to theOffice of Civil Rights, Department of Education (https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/howto.html) .
Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.
References Requested
References Requested
Minimum Requested3
Maximum Requested3
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Do you have a valid Colorado Driver’s License or have access to a licensed driver, and have a reliable motor vehicle to be used for work related travel
yes
no
This position requires a NOAA Common Access Card (CAC) ID badge for computer access and therefore is open ONLY to citizens of the United States and lawful permanent residents in possession of a physical USCIS “Green Card.” Are you a US Citizen or Permanent Resident with a physical "Green Card?"
yes
no
This position requires the ability to lift objects that weigh more than 50 pounds in order to move computing equipment. Are you willing and able to lift objects that weigh more than 50 pounds?
yes
no
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Cover Letter
Resume
Optional Documents
Working Title24-120: Linux System Administrator
Position LocationFort Collins, CO
Work LocationPosition is fully in-office/in-person
Research Professional PositionYes
Posting Number202402022AP
Position TypeAdmin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification TitleResearch Associate II
Number of Vacancies
Work Hours/Week40
Proposed Annual Salary RangeCommensurate with experience and qualifications as follows: • Research Associate II: $63,900 - $81,100 • Research Associate III: $72,800 - $90,000
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, commitment todiversity, equity and inclusion (https://inclusiveexcellence.colostate.edu/about/) , and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
Review our detailed benefits information here. (https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf)
Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator (https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/) .
Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/) !
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on01/05/2025
Description of Work Unit
The Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere ( CIRA ) at Colorado State University ( CSU ) is a multi-million dollar research organization located on CSU’s Foothills Campus in Fort Collins, Colorado. CIRA is a cooperative institute (CI) that is also a research department within CSU’s College of Engineering, in partnership with the Department of Atmospheric Science. Its vision is to conduct interdisciplinary research in the atmospheric sciences by entraining skills beyond the meteorological disciplines, exploiting advances in engineering and computer science, facilitating transitional activity between pure and applied research, leveraging both national and international resources and partnerships, and assisting the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ( NOAA ), CSU , the State of Colorado, and the Nation through the application of our research to areas of societal benefit.
Expanding on this Vision, our Mission is to serve as a nexus for multi-disciplinary cooperation among CI and NOAA research scientists, University faculty, staff and students in the context of NOAA -specified research theme areas in satellite applications for weather/climate forecasting. Important bridging elements of the CI include the communication of research findings to the international scientific community, transition of applications and capabilities to NOAA operational users, education and training programs for operational user proficiency, outreach programs to K-12 education and the general public for environmental literacy, and understanding and quantifying the societal impacts of NOAA research.
Position Summary
The Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere ( CIRA ), located on the CSU Foothills Campus approximately 5 miles northwest of CSU’s main campus, seeks to fill a Research Associate II or III position to support CIRA’s computing research efforts and IT infrastructure. CIRA conducts research on the use of satellite data to improve analysis, forecasts, and warnings for regions and mesoscale meteorological events. The individual in this position will report to CIRA’s IT Director and manage the CIRA’s Linux systems and data storage located at Foothills Campus and the Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering Data Center ( SDC ) on the CSU main campus.
This position requires a NOAA Common Access Card ( CAC ) ID badge for computer access and is therefore open ONLY to citizens of the United States and lawful permanent residents in possession of a physical USCIS “Green Card.” This position also requires the ability to pass a National Agency Check with Inquiries ( NACI ) Tier 1 federal background check for computer access, a valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license or access to a licensed driver, and the ability to lift objects that weigh more than 50 pounds in order to move computing equipment between CIRA and the SDC . The individual in this position will be expected to work onsite at CIRA in Fort Collins. A hybrid telework/onsite schedule will be considered for well qualified candidates. Occasional travel to attend meetings/conferences/trainings may be required.
This position will be classified Research Associate II or III according to the credentials of the finalist selected for hire as follows:
For position classification Research Associate II: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, or related STEM field plus 3-4 years of experience working in Linux system administration –OR- a Master’s Degree in Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, or related STEM field;
For position classification Research Associate III : Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, or related STEM field plus 5 or more years of experience working in Linux system administrationORa Master’s degree in Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, or related STEM field plus 2 or more years of experience working in Linux system administration –OR- a Ph.D. in Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, or related STEM field.
Required Job Qualifications
In your cover letter, please specifically address EACH required qualification as it relates to your experience. An application without a cover letter that addresses each of the required qualifications for this position will not be considered further.
For Research Associate II: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, or related STEM field plus 3-4 years of experience working in Linux system administration –OR- a Master’s Degree in Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, or related STEM field;
For Research Associate III : Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, or related STEM field plus 5 or more years of experience working in Linux system administrationORa Master’s degree in Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, or related STEM field plus 2 or more years of experience working in Linux system administration –OR- a Ph.D. in Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, or related STEM field;
Ability to pass a National Agency Check with Inquiries ( NACI ) federal background check and receive a NOAA Common Access Card ( CAC ) ID badge.
Ability to lift objects that weigh 50 pounds several times per week, and sometimes multiple times in one day. The individual will have access to a dolly, but rarely will receive assistance from a fellow colleague.
Valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain a driver’s license or access to a licensed driver by the start of the position;
Experience managing networked servers;
Experience with command line management of RedHat, Rocky, or Alma operating systems;
Experience with shell scripting and interpreted languages (e.g., bash, Python, Perl);
Familiarity with network storage solutions;
Excellent oral and written communication skills;
Occasional travel to attend meetings/conferences/trainings may be required.
Must be a citizen of the United States or Lawful Permanent Resident with a physical USCIS “Green Card.”
Preferred Job Qualifications
In your cover letter, please specifically address the applicable preferred qualifications for this position. A cover letter that fails to address the preferred qualifications for this position will not be considered further after review by the search committee.
Degree related to Atmospheric Science or Meteorology;
Experience with Linux container development (e.g., Docker, Podman, Apptainer, Singularity);
Experience with RAID , Ceph storage systems, ZFS file systems;
Experience configuring a high performance computing ( HPC ) environment (e.g., slurm, warewulf, pxe booting environment, Kubernetes);
Experience managing web servers (e.g., nginx, Apache) and SSL certificates
Experience managing GitLab servers;
Experience troubleshooting and installing computing hardware components (memory, disk, CPU , GPU ).
Diversity Statement
Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Essential Duties
Job Duty CategoryLinux Administration
Duty/Responsibility
Install, configure, patch, and upgrade RHEL (Rocky, Alma) operating systems;
Configure and troubleshoot system networking;
Implement server and network security measures;
Manage users and access permissions;
Install and maintain application software;
Document development plans, system configuration, user instructions, issues, and maintenance activities;
Provide user technical support.
Percentage Of Time50
Job Duty CategorySystem Engineering
Duty/Responsibility
Manage and troubleshoot multi-petabyte storage systems;
System backup and recovery;
Install, manage, and relocate computer and network systems in a data center environment.
Percentage Of Time50
Application Details
Special Instructions to Applicants
To apply, please upload a cover letter that addresses the required and preferred job qualifications, a resume, and the contact information for three professional references.
CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.
References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
Search ContactLinn Barrett, linn.barrett@colostate.edu
EEO Statement
Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. TheOffice of Equal Opportunity (https://oeo.colostate.edu/) is located in 101 Student Services.
The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715,titleix@colostate.edu.
The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,oeo@colostate.edu.
The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836,oeo@colostate.edu.
Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to theOffice of Civil Rights, Department of Education (https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/howto.html) .
Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.
References Requested
References Requested
Minimum Requested3
Maximum Requested3
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Do you have a valid Colorado Driver’s License or have access to a licensed driver, and have a reliable motor vehicle to be used for work related travel
yes
no
This position requires a NOAA Common Access Card (CAC) ID badge for computer access and therefore is open ONLY to citizens of the United States and lawful permanent residents in possession of a physical USCIS “Green Card.” Are you a US Citizen or Permanent Resident with a physical "Green Card?"
yes
no
This position requires the ability to lift objects that weigh more than 50 pounds in order to move computing equipment. Are you willing and able to lift objects that weigh more than 50 pounds?
yes
no
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Cover Letter
Resume
Optional Documents